Sirisha Bandla

SUMMARY

AAE alumna Sirisha Bandla (BSAAE ’11) was one of four mission specialists selected for Virgin Galactic’s first fully crewed flight test on July 11, 2021. This mission enabled her to become only the second commercial astronaut among the University’s “Cradle of Astronauts.” With this flight, Sirisha became the University’s 26th astronaut, 2nd commercial astronaut, and 5th female astronaut in Purdue’s iconic “Cradle of Astronauts.”

While Sirisha’s story is important for several reasons, some of the key elements are that she is a female astronaut and she is of Indian heritage. Her story has the potential to inspire other young people, particularly women and people of color, who are interested in careers in STEM. They, too, can go to space and achieve their dreams, and they can do it with the help of Purdue University.

STRATEGY

This content is evergreen, and can be used in all strategic efforts to demonstrate success of Boilermakers and celebrate our ever-growing list of impressive astronauts that are Purdue University alum.

RESOURCES INCLUDE

  • Link to story
  • Social media graphics
  • Suggested social post copy

LINKS and UTM PARAMETERS

When linking to Purdue websites from social platforms or emails, it is recommended that UTM parameters be added to the URL in order to provide reporting on the activity. The Marketing and Communications campaign URL builder allows you to easily configure these links and even request shortened Purdue-branded links.

UTM Campaign: sirisha_bandla
UTM Medium: Social (or email)
UTM Source: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram (or email newsletter name)

Link to Sirisha’s story: https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/stories/2021/stories-at-purdue/sirisha-bandla-took-unconventional-small-steps-before-her-giant-leap-into-commercial-spaceflight.html

AVAILABLE ASSETS

The following assets are available for download and use.  Social assets include files for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Instagram Stories.

NOTE: If InDesign files are needed for any of these assets, please complete the marketing request form on our website.

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE

POSTING TIPS

Digital engagement is a powerful platform to share Purdue stories and posts with past, present and future Boilermakers. Here are some tips to help your posts shine.

  • Keep posts short and direct
  • Link all posts back to our landing page
  • Include photos, videos, or GIF’s
  • Use short URLS

SUGGESTED SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

As a child, Purdue alumna Sirisha Bandla had giant dreams.

At age 34, Bandla has already taken giant leaps. She is vice president of government affairs and research operations at Virgin Galactic, and she was a mission specialist on the company’s Unity 22 mission, the first fully crewed spaceflight by a private commercial company.

Virgin Galactic’s mission to open space to all is especially meaningful for Bandla, who followed an unconventional path toward her dream of becoming an astronaut.

Read her story here: <INSERT STORY LINK>

Twitter

Sirisha Bandla attended Purdue b/c of its extensive space industry legacy. In July, Bandla added to that legacy by serving as mission specialist on @virgingalactic‘s Unity 22 spaceflight, making her the 26th member of Purdue’s Cradle of Astronauts. <INSERT STORY LINK>

TAGGING RECOMMENDATIONS

College of Engineering (IG/TW: @PurdueEngineers; FB: @PurdueEngineering)

School of Aeronautics and Astronautics (@PurdueAeroAstro)

Virgin Galactic (@VirginGalactic)

CAMPAIGN SPECIFIC HASHTAGS

#TheNextGiantLeap

CAMPUSWIDE HASHTAGS

#PurdueUniversity

#MySmallStep = Student stories

#MyGiantLeap = Faculty/Alumni stories


EMOJIS
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